Is she or isn't she? Whether you planned this litter or it was a surprise, dog pregnancy is an exciting (and stressful) 63-day journey.
Unlike humans, dogs don't show a "baby bump" until late in the game, and there isn't a pee-stick test you can buy at the pharmacy.
Here is your complete week-by-week guide to spotting the signs, preparing for whelping, and knowing exactly when labor is about to start.
Key Takeaway: The most reliable sign of impending labor is a drop in rectal temperature below 100°F (often 98-99°F). This usually happens 12-24 hours before the first puppy arrives.
Am I Crazy? Real vs. "Phantom" Pregnancy
German Shepherds and other affectionate breeds are prone to Phantom Pregnancy (Pseudopregnancy). This happens when hormones trick an unspayed female's body into thinking she is pregnant after a heat cycle.
- Signs: Nesting, guarding toys, and even milk production.
- The Difference: Only an Ultrasound (Day 25-30) or Relaxin Blood Test (Day 28) can confirm true pregnancy.
The Dog Pregnancy Calendar (Week-by-Week)
A dog's gestation is roughly 63 days (9 weeks).
| Week | What's Happening | Your Job |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-3 | Fertilization. No visible changes. | Keep her routine normal. No heavy jumping. |
| Week 4 | Embryos implant. You might see morning sickness. | Confirm with Ultrasound. |
| Week 5 | Fetal organs form. Weight gain starts. | mildly increase food intake. |
| Week 6 | Nipples darken & enlarge. | Switch to Puppy Food (for extra calories). |
| Week 7 | Hair loss on belly. Puppies are growing fast. | Set up the Whelping Box. |
| Week 8 | Milk may appear. Skeletons calcify. | X-Ray to count puppies. |
| Week 9 | Labor is imminent. | Monitor Temperature. |
Nutrition: The "Calcium Rule"
- During Pregnancy: Do NOT supplement calcium. It can cause Eclampsia (Milk Fever) later. Just feed a high-quality puppy kibble.
- During Labor: Now you can give calcium (like Calsorb) to help contractions, but only under vet guidance.
- Nursing: This is when she needs massive calories. Feed her as much as she wants. See our guide on feeding puppies.
The Whelping Kit Checklist
Don't wait until the first puppy drops. Have this kit ready by Week 7. The AKC recommends having:
- [ ] Whelping Box: Easy to clean, with "pig rails" to stop mom from squishing pups.
- [ ] Thermometer: Digital rectal fluid.
- [ ] Bulb Syringe: To suck fluid out of puppies' noses.
- [ ] Medical Scissors & Hemostats: To clamp/cut umbilical cords.
- [ ] Iodine (Betadine): To disinfect cord stumps.
- [ ] Old Towels: Dozens of them.
- [ ] Heat Lamp/Pad: Puppies cannot regulate body heat.
The "Temperature Drop": Predicting Labor
Start taking her rectal temperature twice a day starting on Day 58.
- Normal: 101-102.5°F.
- The Drop: When it hits 98-99°F, labor will typically start within 24 hours. Do not leave her side.
The 3 Stages of Labor
- Stage 1 (6-12 hours): Panting, pacing, shivering, nesting. No visible contractions.
- Stage 2 (Active Birth): Water breaks, pushing, puppies arrive (usually every 30-60 mins).
- Stage 3 (Placenta): Delivering the afterbirth. ensure one comes out for every puppy.
